Robbie Keane’s Hat Trick A Great Sign For The LA Galaxy
By Pablo Jacobo
Los Angeles Galaxy captain Robbie Keane has had a tough MLS season. He was out an extended amount of time due to injury, his team was struggling, and more recently suffered a family tragedy.
The courageous striker played for his country over the weekend with a heavy heart. He came on as a substitute for his native Ireland and helped them to a draw against Scotland.
"“When you’re playing football, you forget about everything, no matter what problems you have in your life…”"
Keane returned to the Galaxy lineup for Wednesday’s matchup against PSA Elite for the U.S. Open Cup. Safe to say Keane has put his troubles behind him as he scored a hat trick in the Galaxy’s 6-1 thrashing. This performance should be encouraging to Galaxy fans because the team needs the reigning MVP back to his old self.
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Los Angeles currently sits in 6th place in the Western Conference. They have looked nothing like the Championship team of last season. Granted missing your best player doesn’t help. In 17 games played they’ve only managed five wins. The Galaxy have 5 losses at the halfway mark of this season; they lost 7 total last year.
Keane after his performance, “I’m back. I’m back.” It’s great to see him healthier on the pitch. What’s even better for the team as a whole is the cast of young talent that will be surrounding him on the field. With an assortment of injuries, HC Bruce Arena had to utilize his young guns in his place.
Bradford Jamieson IV, Jose Villareal, Ignacio Maganto and Sebastian Lletget have shown great promise. They’re upside is tremendous and paired up top with Gyasi Zardes the Galaxy attack is going to be exciting to watch. As they see more playing time, their confidence and skill will continue to grow which will benefit the team going forward.
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LA is flirting with missing the playoffs, but with 17 games remaining in the MLS schedule, look for Los Angeles to make a run. Let’s not forget, England legend Steven Gerrard is scheduled to join his former Liverpool teammate Keane and the boys in July. How’s that for reinforcements?
Back to Keane, HC Arena said of the 34-year-old’s performance,
"“It was good to get him back on the field again and get some minutes in. We’re still moving him forward and trying to get him back into form.”"
Keane plans to play to full 90 minutes on Saturday, as the Galaxy will host the Philadelphia Union. Philly has allowed the most goals this season. Look for Keane to take full advantage against the 7th place Eastern Conference squad.
Keane on his game,
"“Ultimately, you’re judged on scoring, no matter what people say. You can do what you want for the team, and hard work, but the stats people look at goals and assists, and since I’ve been here, I’ve done that, and I’ve done it well…”"
The Galaxy know the value and importance that Keane brings to the team which is why they signed him to an extension June 10. His overall playmaking ability coupled with his scoring prowess is the reason the Galaxy should not be underestimated. Keane’s impact on the field will make everyone around him better. He’s equally as dangerous scoring as he is creating opportunities for his teammates. He has 36 career assists to go along with 55 goals for the Galaxy.
The fiery captain at full strength will bring out the best in the team. His passion on the field lights the fire in his teammates. That energy was lacking early on in the season. Energy is what the Galaxy is going to need to get through the MLS season, as well as the U.S. Cup and the International Champions Cup.
Perhaps some luck of the Irish? Nah.
To quote Jadakiss, “The Champ Is Here!”